Gemotions

“Everything alright, Ethan?” His father’s voice, concerned. Ethan nodded, but his shaky hands gave him away. His party, Liam’s party. The collision course was set. He just wanted to go under the covers and stay there until it was over.

He felt a strange pressure behind his eyes, a sensation like the world was closing in. He busied himself with the final preparations, but his movements were clumsy, hurried. He kept glancing at the clock.

Each tick felt like a hammer blow against his skull. He couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. He wished the day would just disappear, vanish from existence, the way he felt he might if things didn't go well.